George Cooper - Telegraph Sport Obituaries George Cooper George Cooper, who died on April 11 aged 75, was the identical twin of the nation's best-loved heavyweight boxer Henry Cooper and shared the highs and lows of his brother's long career in the ring. Photo: PHOTOSHOT Comments Although his own boxing career never progressed beyond domestic level, George subsequently took on a valuable backroom role as Henry went on to win the British, European and Commonwealth heavyweight crowns. Along with Henry's long-time manager Jim "the Bishop" Wicks, George was in the corner for all his brother's most notable fights, including his gallant but unsuccessful world title challenge against Muhammad Ali at Highbury on May 21 1966. He was also there for Henry's final fight, against Joe Bugner at Wembley on March 16 1971, when the controversial decision by the referee, Harry Gibbs, to award Bugner victory by a quarter of a point led to Henry Cooper's retirement. The Cooper twins – Henry was the elder by 20 minutes – were born on May 3 1934 in Westminster.

Both boys ("right little ruffians", as Henry later recalled) inherited their father's love of boxing and first discovered their prowess in the school playground, where they invariably stood up for one another. "George and me were always very close," Henry declared in his autobiography, published in 1972. "The only time we parted was when I got married. Even then, with Dad retired and him and Mum going to live at Margate, George came to live (with me) at Wembley until he was married. "We went to school together, we went boxing together, we were together in the Army. We look alike, we think alike, in temperament we're similar and often we catch ourselves repeating each other's remarks. Throughout our boxing lives I would go on first so that I wouldn't be worrying over George's fight when I got into the ring." Related Articles BBC Sport - Sir Henry Cooper remembered: Farewell to Our 'Enery Sir Henry Cooper remembered: Farewell to Our 'Enery BBC Sport remembers Sir Henry Cooper By Sanjeev Shetty BBC Sport For the majority, he will be remembered for one punch - a thunderous left hook they called Enery's 'Ammer that put The Greatest on his backside.

But boxing fans know that there was much more to Sir Henry Cooper, who has died aged 76, than one good punch. An identical twin, Sir Henry and his brother George both went on to ply their trades in boxing. As an amateur, Henry won 73 of his 84 bouts, winning the ABA light-heavyweight championship at 17 and representing Great Britain at the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki. After a two-year stint in the army, Cooper decided to turn professional. Guided by Jim Wicks, a man who managed Cooper's career on the basis of a handshake, Cooper retained his job in the plastering trade, using his spare time to train for upcoming fights. His first big moment came in 1959, when he won the British heavyweight title after a bruising 15-round contest with Brian London. Archive - Henry Cooper v Joe Erskine During those early days, Cooper's three-fight series with the canny Welshman Joe Erskine made the headlines - Cooper losing the first by decision but then avenging the loss with two brutal stoppages.

By that stage, his left hook was a feared weapon - it was estimated to travel 15 times faster than a Saturn V rocket. While it made him a threat against any class of opposition, Cooper's tendency to lacerate with ease made him vulnerable. "If you gave Henry a rough towel, you needed a basin to catch the blood," said renowned boxing writer Hugh McIlvanney. Cooper was also light for a heavyweight, never weighing above 14 stone, which today would have made him a natural cruiserweight. The full range of his strengths and weaknesses was exposed on 18 June 1963 - a night which has earned a very special place in British sporting folklore. Cooper celebrates his knighthood in 2000 On that evening, a 21-year-old Cassius Clay came to London, determined to "jive in five", a prediction that looked frighteningly accurate until the fourth round, when Clay was floored by a Cooper left. Up at four, Clay was escorted back to his corner as the bell rang, on what were very shaky legs.

Fate and a little gamesmanship deprived Cooper of his moment of glory - Clay's trainer Angelo Dundee noticed a split in his fighter's glove and made sure that it became so wide it had to be replaced. Had Cooper landed 10 seconds earlier, the course of boxing history might have been very different. The extra seconds that Clay got to recover allowed him to come out refreshed for the fifth round and finish the fight, opening up a hideous cut on Cooper's face which forced the stoppage. Three years later, the two men met again, with the same ending - by now, Clay was Muhammad Ali and heavyweight champion of the world, and he no longer made mistakes. Of his 14 defeats, including those by future world champion Ingemar Johansson in 1957 and former world champion Floyd Patterson in 1966, there was only one Cooper could not quite come to terms with. It came on 16 March 1971, when the 36-year-old Cooper took on the 21-year-old Joe Bugner at Wembley's Empire Pool in what would be Cooper's last fight.

For 15 rounds, the pair battled on relatively even terms and it was assumed that British and European champion Cooper would get the decision. But referee Harry Gibb stunned the sizeable crowd when he walked towards Bugner at the end and lifted his arm into the air. For a proud man like Cooper, it was too much to take and he refused to speak to Gibb for 30 years. In his post-fight days, Cooper devoted much of his time to charity and after-dinner speaking, and for a while he performed broadcasting duties for the BBC on their boxing coverage. Cooper (second left) became a familiar figure on British television But for a man of honour and integrity, he found the circus nature of modern boxing abhorrent. He was also saddened by the state of the heavyweight division. "I look at things today and think, 'Gawd blimey, what's happened?'" Cooper said a few years before his death. "I know I sound a right old misery, but all those ring walks drove me nuts.

I've even seen them bring in fighters on Harley Davidsons and magic carpets, and some of them take 40 minutes to get into the ring." Despite this, he never dared dispute what he saw as boxing's fundamental asset to society. "If there is a danger in anything some people want to ban it - you mustn't box, you mustn't climb mountains, you mustn't race fast cars," he wrote in his autobiography. "Nothing would have been achieved in the world if there wasn't a determination to beat an element of danger or challenge." Cooper was the first person to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award twice (in 1967 and 1970) and became Britain's first and only boxing knight in 2000. He may not have been the greatest fighter Britain has ever produced, but there has never been a more popular one than Cooper.

Bookmark with: Boxer Henry Cooper dies aged 76 - Mirror Online Boxer Henry Cooper dies aged 76 Gentleman of the ring dies of a broken heart after wife's death Share Sir Henry Cooper (pic: John Ferguson) Share Get daily updates directly to your inbox + Subscribe Could not subscribe, try again laterInvalid Email Henry Cooper, Britain’s best loved boxer of all time, died today. He was 76. He passed away at his son’s house in Oxted, Surrey, after months of deteriorating health. Friends said he died of a broken heart because he had never got over the deaths of his beloved wife Albina in 2008 and his identical twin brother George last year. Cooper, who was knighted in 2000, was best remembered for his two momentous fights against Muhammad Ali in 1963 and 1966. In the first, he knocked Ali - then known as Cassius Clay - to the canvas but he recovered to win after trainer Angelo Dundee bought vital time by cutting open his glove with a razor. Ali would later say Cooper hit him so hard “that his ancestors in Africa felt it”.

In the second fight, this time for the world title, Cooper, who cut easily around the eyes, was stopped on a technical knockout with blood streaming down his face. Tributes poured in last night to Cooper, who built up an army of fans both inside and outside the ring. Britain’s David Haye, the current WBA world champion, wrote on Twitter: “One of Britain’s greatest sportsmen Sir Henry Cooper passed away today. A true warrior and a great human being.” Former world featherweight champion Barry McGuigan, a personal friend of Sir Henry, said he never recovered from Albina’s death. He said the couple were “devoted to each other” and added: “It’s tragic news for the world of boxing. The great Henry Cooper, and what a great man he was.” He said Sir Henry encouraged him when he got into boxing, adding: “All you ever got was ‘Son, you’ve got great potential’. He was full of encouragement, he was a really lovely man.

“He was the first boxer to be knighted and to my mind that’s the greatest compliment of all.” Lennox Lewis, Britain’s former undisputed world heavyweight boxing champion, said: “RIP Sir Henry Cooper, former British, European and Commonwealth champion. My deepest condolences to the Cooper family.” Retired chat show host Sir Michael Parkinson said: “He was a wonderful guy, generous and funny and kind, and one of the best heavyweight boxers we have produced. “I never met anybody who didn’t like Henry Cooper. He was a very fine fighter, a good boxer, although a bit too light and he cut too easily - ultimately remembered for decking Ali in that spectacular fight. “He was the best kind of athlete, the best kind of boxer, he wasn’t boastful, he was genuinely modest and a gentleman. “I think of him in the same way as I do Bobby Charlton - the two of them represent something which I think has gone out of sport rather, that kind of hero.” Wayne Rooney tweeted: “R.I.P Sir Henry cooper just heard now, didn’t know. One of Britain’s all time greats. Gutted, deepest sympathy to his family.

Such a sad day.” Sports journalist Colin Hart, one of his closest friends, said: “I’m not shocked he died, sadly, because I saw him deteriorate over the years as he got quite ill. “He wasn’t the same after the death of his wife. He died of a broken heart.” TV personality Philip Schofield tweeted: “Very sad news and a lovely man.” Robert Smith, general secretary of the British Boxing Board of Control, said: “Forget his achievements in the ring. Ultimately, he was a really nice man. “He served the sport very well and had a wonderful life and a wonderful career. Boxers have a respect for each other and Ali had a huge amount of respect for Henry Cooper. “He fought Muhammad Ali twice, once when he was Cassius Clay and once when he was Muhammad Ali, and he put up wonderful performances. “Ali is possibly the greatest athlete there’s ever been and Henry put up a great performance and just wasn’t quite good enough on both occasions - but he’s not the only one who wasn’t good enough to beat Ali.

“Ali was one of the first ‘big’ heavyweights and Henry lost to Joe Bugner, who was 15-odd stone and Henry was 14 - just bigger men. For such a small man, he put up some great performances in a world-class context.” On the affection in which Cooper was held, he added: “It’s not just the boxing and your ability, it’s the personality as well. “He won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year on two occasions, which is a tremendous feat for a boxer. Everyone called him ‘Our Enery’, and he was much loved, he served boxing wonderfully.” Johnny Nelson, the former WBO cruiserweight world champion, said: “Henry was a total champion. He was always a gentleman, always straight down the line. He told it how it was. “Ali always showed that bit of respect for Henry Cooper. Everybody in Britain - be proud of what he achieved and what he actually did. “He was a no-nonsense fighter, the man that almost dethroned one of the greatest fighters in the world, Muhammad Ali.

“There’s nobody that came across Sir Henry that had a bad word for him.” Like us on Facebook Most Read Most Recent Most Read Most Recent Boxing legend Muhammad Ali hospitalized for respiratory issues Share Search Heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali stands over fallen challenger Sonny Liston, shouting and gesturing shortly after dropping Liston with a short hard right to the jaw on May 25, 1965, in Lewiston, Maine. Ali, the magnificent heavyweight champion whose fast fists and irrepressible personality transcended sports and captivated the world, has died according to a statement released by his family Friday, June 3, 2016. He was 74. (AP Photo/John Rooney) Spray flies from the head of challenger Joe Frazier as heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali connects with a right in the ninth round of their title fight in Manila, Philippines, October 1, 1975. Ali won the fight on a decision to retain the title.

(AP Photo/Mitsunori Chigita) World heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali is shown leaping in victory as referee Joe Walcott counts out Sonny Liston in one minute of the first round of the scheduled 15 round championship bout in Lewiston, Maine, May 25, 1965. (AP Photo/stf) This image provided by Sports Illustrated on Saturday, June 4, 2016 shows the newest Sports Illustrated Cover Tribute to Muhammad Ali. The portrait was shot by Neil Leifer while Ali trained at 5th Street Gym in Miami Beach on Oct. 9, 1970. This will be the June 13 issue cover on stands June 8. Ali, the magnificent heavyweight champion whose fast fists and irrepressible personality transcended sports and captivated the world, has died according to a statement released by his family Friday, June 3. He was 74. (Sports Illustrated via AP) Heavyweight Champion Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay) takes time out from training at Chicopee, Mass. on May 13, 1965 for his title bout with Sonny Liston to sit on rocks in brook and enjoy a bowl of fruit.

Ali found the spot while out doing his road work. . (AP Photo) Muhammad Ali, red trunks, and Joe Frazier, green trunks, are shown during round 5 or 6 of their bout in New York's Madison Square Garden, March 8, 1971. Ali, the magnificent heavyweight champion whose fast fists and irrepressible personality transcended sports and captivated the world, has died according to a statement released by his family Friday, June 3, 2016. He was 74. (AP Photo/John Lindsay) 25th February 1964: American boxer Cassius Clay, later Muhammad Ali, celebrates his win over Sonny Liston in their heavyweight title fight at Miami Beach, Florida. Clay won the contest, becoming world champion for the first time, when Liston failed to come out at the start of the seventh round. Ali, the magnificent heavyweight champion whose fast fists and irrepressible personality transcended sports and captivated the world, has died according to a statement released by his family Friday, June 3, 2016. He was 74.

(Photo by Harry Benson/Express/Getty Images) PARIS - JANUARY 1: A portrait of then World boxing heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali in 1960 in Paris, France. Ali, the magnificent heavyweight champion whose fast fists and irrepressible personality transcended sports and captivated the world, has died according to a statement released by his family Friday, June 3, 2016. He was 74. (Photo by AFP/Getty Images) 27 Feb 1964: Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) flies around the ring after beating Sonny Liston in the seventh round of the World Heavyweight Title bout in Miami Beach, Florida, USA. It was during these scenes that Clay claimed, "I am the Greatest" and "I shook up the World". (Allsport Hulton/Archive) FILE - In this April 2, 1963, file photo, boxer Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) is seen with his mother, Odessa Grady Clay.

Ali, the magnificent heavyweight champion whose fast fists and irrepressible personality transcended sports and captivated the world, has died according to a statement released by his family Friday, June 3, 2016. He was 74. (AP Photo) FILE - In this March 1, 1964, file photo, world heavyweight boxing champion, Muhammad Ali, right, is shown with Black Muslim Leader, Malcolm X, outside the Trans-Lux Newsreel Theater in New York City, after watching a screening of films on Ali's title fight with Sonny Liston in Miami Beach. Ali, the magnificent heavyweight champion whose fast fists and irrepressible personality transcended sports and captivated the world, has died according to a statement released by his family Friday, June 3, 2016. He was 74. (AP Photo) FILE - In this May 25, 1965 file photo, heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali is held back by referee Joe Walcott after Ali dropped challenger Sonny Liston less than two minutes into the first round of their heavyweight title fight, in Lewiston, Maine.

(AP Photo/File) FILE - In this March 29, 1967, file photo, heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali, center left, and Dr. Martin Luther King speak to reporters. Ali, the magnificent heavyweight champion whose fast fists and irrepressible personality transcended sports and captivated the world, has died according to a statement released by his family Friday, June 3, 2016. He was 74. (AP Photo/File) FILE - In this April 28, 1967 file photo, heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali is escorted from the Armed Forces Examining and Entrance Station in Houston by Lt. Col. J. Edwin McKee, commandant of the station, after Ali refused Army induction. Ali, the magnificent heavyweight champion whose fast fists and irrepressible personality transcended sports and captivated the world, has died according to a statement released by his family Friday, June 3, 2016. He was 74. (AP Photo) FILE - This is an Oct. 9, 1974, file photo showing Muhammad Ali.

Ali, the magnificent heavyweight champion whose fast fists and irrepressible personality transcended sports and captivated the world, has died according to a statement released by his family Friday, June 3, 2016. He was 74. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)(AP Photo/FIle) FILE - In this July 17, 1975, file photo, sports promoter Don King stands between Muhammad Ali, left, the heavyweight champion, and Joe Frazier in New York. Ali, the magnificent heavyweight champion whose fast fists and irrepressible personality transcended sports and captivated the world, has died according to a statement released by his family Friday, June 3, 2016. He was 74. (AP Photo/File) 19th December 1978: Heavyweight boxer Muhammad Ali with his daughters Laila (9 months) and Hanna (2 years 5 months) at Grosvenor House.

(Photo by Frank Tewkesbury/Evening Standard/Getty Images) 19 Jul 1996: Muhammad Ali holds the torch before lighting the Olympic Flame during the Opening Ceremony of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. Ali, the magnificent heavyweight champion whose fast fists and irrepressible personality transcended sports and captivated the world, has died according to a statement released by his family Friday, June 3, 2016. He was 74. (Michael Cooper ) American Heavyweight boxer Cassius Clay (later Muhammad Ali), training in his gym, 21st May 1965. (Photo by Harry Benson/Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) Laila Ali and Muhammad Ali appear as HBO Films and the Muhammad Ali Center to co-host the U.S. Premiere of "Muhammad Ali's Greatest Fight" at Muhammad Ali Center on October 2, 2013 in Louisville, Kentucky. Ali, the magnificent heavyweight champion whose fast fists and irrepressible personality transcended sports and captivated the world, has died according to a statement released by his family Friday, June 3, 2016. He was 74.

(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images for HBO) 27th May 1963: Supremely confident American boxer Cassius Clay holds up five fingers in a prediction of how many rounds it will take him to knock out British boxer Henry Cooper. (Photo by Kent Gavin/Keystone/Getty Images) Former boxer Muhammad Ali accepts the President's Award as his wife Yolanda Williams looks on during the 40th NAACP Image Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on February 12, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Ali, the magnificent heavyweight champion whose fast fists and irrepressible personality transcended sports and captivated the world, has died according to a statement released by his family Friday, June 3, 2016. He was 74. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images for NAACP) Former 1968 Olympic gold medalist Muhammad Ali lights the first torch to start the Olympic Torch Relay 04 December 2001, at Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, Georgia.

(CHRIS STANFORD/AFP/Getty Images) Boxing legend Muhammad Ali poses with his daughters at ceremony honoring him with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame January 11, 2002 in Hollywood, CA. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images) The winners of the 1960 Olympic medals for light heavyweight boxing on the winners' podium at Rome: Cassius Clay (now Muhammad Ali) (C), gold; Zbigniew Pietrzykowski of Poland (R), silver; and Giulio Saraudi (Italy) and Anthony Madigan (Australia), joint bronze. (Photo by Central Press/Getty Images) 1963: American boxer Cassius Clay weighs in before his world heavyweight title fight against British boxer Henry Cooper. (Photo by S. Higgins/Express/Getty Images) Portrait of American boxer Cassius Clay (who changed his name to Muhammad Ali in 1964) as he raises his fists above his head and growls fiercely, early 1960s. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) American heavyweight boxer Cassius Clay (now Muhammad Ali) raises his arms in victory after his world title fight against British boxer Henry Cooper.

(Photo by Evening Standard/Getty Images) 14th June 1963: American boxer Cassius Clay (later Muhammad Ali) before his World Heavyweight Title fight against Britain's Henry Cooper. (Photo by Norman Quicke/Express/Getty Images) US boxer Cassius Clay (now Muhammad Ali) and British boxer Henry Cooper weigh-in on the stage of the Palladium for their heavyweight match at Wembley Stadium, London. Ali holds up five fingers to indicate that he will beat Cooper in five rounds, a prediction that proved to be correct. Left to right: Cooper's manager Jim Wicks, Cooper, Clay and promoter Jack Solomons. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images) Cassius Clay (now Muhammad Ali), world heavyweight champion, is floored by British boxer heavyweight champion Henry Cooper during their fight at Wembley Stadium. Despite this setback Clay went on to win, but it was the first time he had ever been floored. (Photo by Central Press/Getty Images) 18th June 1963: US boxer Cassius Clay and British boxer Henry Cooper weigh-in on the stage of the Palladium for their heavyweight match at Wembley Stadium, London.

Clay holds up five fingers to indicate that he will beat Cooper in five rounds, a prediction that proved to be correct. Left to right: promoter Jack Solomons, Cooper, Clay and his agent, Dave Edgar. (Photo by Moore/Fox Photos/Getty Images) British Heavyweight champion Henry Cooper (1934 - 2011, left) with American boxer Cassius Clay (later Muhammad Ali) after their non-title fight at Wembley Stadium, London, 18th June 1963. Clay won the match by a technical knockout after Cooper sustained a cut under his left eye. (Photo by Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) 20th June 1963: American boxer Cassius Clay weighs in before his World Heavyweight Title fight against Britain's Henry Cooper. (Photo by Robert Stiggins/Express/Getty Images) 21st June 1963: American heavyweight boxer Cassius Clay (later Muhammad Ali) with his brother Rudolph (later Rahman Ali). (Photo by Evening Standard/Getty Images) Heavyweight boxing champion Cassius Clay (later Muhammad Ali), with his wife, 21st June 1963.

(Photo by Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) Heavyweight boxer Muhammad Ali (left) shakes hands with Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser (1918 - 1970, right), watched by Ali's manager Jabir Herbert Muhammad (1929 - 2008, centre), circa 1964. Jabir Herbert Muhammad is the son of Elijah Muhammad, leader of the Nation of Islam. (Photo by Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) February 1964: American heavyweight boxer Cassius Clay poses in the ring in mock victory over British pop group The Beatles, meeting the press in New York during an American tour. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images) American boxer Cassius Clay (now Muhammad Ali) in training for his world title fight against Sonny Liston of the USA at Miami Beach, Florida. Ali went on to win the match, making him world heavyweight champion for the first time. (Photo by Harry Benson/Getty Images) American boxer Cassius Clay (now Muhammad Ali) trains for his World Heavyweight Boxing Championship fight against fellow American Sonny Liston at Miami Beach, Florida.

(Photo by Harry Benson/Getty Images) Sonny Liston looses his Heavyweight title to Classius Clay (Muhammad Ali) after seven rounds at the Miami Beach Convention Hall on February 25, 1964 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Allsport Hulton Archive/Getty Images) American boxer Cassius Clay (now Muhammad Ali), on his way to defeating Sonny Liston during their world heavyweight title fight at Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Harry Benson/Getty Images) 1964: Heavyweight Boxing Champion of the World, Cassius Clay, who later changed his name to Muhammad Ali. (Photo by Harry Benson/Getty Images) 1966: American boxer Cassius Clay, later Muhammad Ali, in the ring. (Photo by Central Press/Getty Images) May 1966: Boxer Muhammad Ali with his spiritual leader Herbert Mohammed, son of Elijah, (left) his trainer Angelo Dundee (right), with boxing promoters Harry Levene and Mickey Duff.

(Photo by Evening Standard/Getty Images) World heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali, has his hands bandaged by his manager Angelo Dundee (1921 - 2012, right) before the day's training session at the Territorial Army Gymnasium at White City, London, 16th May 1966. On the left is Jack 'George' Achilles, head chef of Isow’s, a restaurant in Brewer Street, Soho, favoured by celebrities including Ali, and his entourage. Ali is in training for his fight against the British champion Henry Cooper at Arsenal's Highbury Stadium, London on May 21st. (Photo by R. McPhedran/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) 6th February 1967: World Heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali defends his title against Ernie Terrell, also gaining the WBA title. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images) Undated: Muhammad Ali of the USA relaxes at home in Deer Lake, Pennsylvania, USA.

(Allsport UK /Allsport) A picture taken March 08 1971 in New York at the Madison Square Garden of the heavyweight boxing world championship fight between Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay) (on the floor) and Joe Fazier at the end of which Frazier kept his title of heavyweight boxing world champion. (AFP/Getty Images) 22nd December 1971: Muhammad Ali trains in Zurich for his fight against the West German Jurgen Blin, with his twin daughters Jamillah and Rasheda. (Photo by Central Press/Getty Images) FILE - In this Aug. 7, 1972, file photo, Muhammad Ali jokes with television sports commentator Howard Cosell before the start of the Olympic boxing trials, in West Point, NY. Ali, the magnificent heavyweight champion whose fast fists and irrepressible personality transcended sports and captivated the world, has died according to a statement released by his family Friday, June 3, 2016. He was 74.

(AP Photo/File) A picture taken September 30 1974 in Kinshasa of the fight opposing former world heavyweight boxing champion the American Muhammad Ali (R) and his compatriot and titleholder George Foreman (L). Ali won and got back his title. (AFP/Getty Images) Former world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali (L) and titleholder US George Foreman (R) fight on October 30, 1974 in Kinshasa, Zaire during their world heavyweight championship match. Ali won by knocking out Foreman in the eighth round. (AFP/Getty Images) In this photo taken on October 30, 1974 shows US boxing heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali (C) (born Cassius Clay) during a press conference after the heavyweight world championship in Kinshasa. On October 30, 1974 Muhammad Ali knocked out George Foreman in a clash of titans known as the "Rumble in the Jungle", watched by 60 000 people in the stadium in Kinshasa and millions elsewhere (STR/AFP/Getty Images) November 1974: World Heavyweight Champion boxer, Muhammad Ali addressing an audience at the New Victoria Theatre in London.

(Photo by Tim Graham/Evening Standard/Getty Images) World heavyweight boxing champion US Muhammad Ali delivers a press conference, on November 19, 1974 in Paris. (DERRICK CEYRAC/AFP/Getty Images) American boxer Muhammad Ali (aka Cassius Clay) speaks during an interview for a French television program 1978 in Paris, France. (Photo by Patrick Riviere/Getty Images) Heavyweight Boxing champion holds a tennis racket over Tennis player Bjorn Borg July 1979 in USA. Ali is one of the greatest boxers in the history of the sport. (Photo by Liaison) FILE - In this April 13, 1981, file photo, sportscaster Howard Cosell, right, is pictured laying one on the chin of former world heavyweight boxing champ Muhammad Ali during a dinner in New York. Ali, the magnificent heavyweight champion whose fast fists and irrepressible personality transcended sports and captivated the world, has died according to a statement released by his family Friday, June 3, 2016. He was 74.

(AP Photo/Richard Drew, File) Released hostage Royce Smart (3rd R) gives former heavyweight World boxing champion Muhammad Ali a hug, on December 04, 1990 after his arrival t Kennedy International airport. Ali was instrumental in the release of 15 US hostages held captive in Iraq. (MARIA BASTONE/AFP/Getty Images) Mar 1990: Former heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali looks on with May-May Ali. (Ken Levine /Allsport) US President Bill Clinton (R) takes the arm of boxing legend, Muhammad Ali at the opening ceremony of the centennial Olympic Games 19 July. Ali, ill with Parkinson's disease, accepted the Olympic torch on its final relay leg from Janet Evans, the United States swimmer who has won four Olympic gold medals. (LUKE FRAZZA/AFP/Getty Images) 8 Aug 1996: Jack Nicklaus meets Muhammad Ali during the US PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Lexington, Kentucky, USA.

(David Cannon /Allsport) 3 Aug 1996: Muhammad Ali receives a replacement gold medal for one he lost many years ago during a halftime ceremony of the Yugoslavia v USA basketball game at the Georgia Dome at the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. (Getty Images) Former world heavy-weight champion Muhammad Ali acknowledges the applause of the public while attending the men's Olympic final at the Alexander Memorial Coliseum in Atlanta, Georgia, 04 Aug. (OMAR TORRES/AFP/Getty Images) US actress Jodie Foster (L) and former heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali arrive at the 12th Annual Independent Spirit Awards 22 March in Santa Monica, CA. The awards recognize achievements made by the independent film community. The film "When We Were Kings", a documentary film about Ali, was nominated for best documentary at the 69th Annual Academy Awards 24 March. (VINCE BUCCI/AFP/Getty Images) Heavyweight Champions Muhammad Ali (L) and Evander Holyfield (R) play around for the cameras after recieving their ESPY Awards at the 5th Annual ceremony at Radio City Hall in New York 10 February.

Ali was chosen as recipient of the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage and Holyfield for Comeback Athelete of the Year. (TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images) George Foreman (L) and Muhammad Ali(R) are greeted by actor Will Smith (C) after the movie "When We Were Kings" won the Oscar for Best Documentry Feature during the 69th Academy Awards 24 March at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. (TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images) UNDATED FILE PHOTO: Muhammad Ali and wife. (Photo by Diane Freed) Boxing great Muhammad Ali (R) gestures to photographers as he sits at ringside before the match of his daugher Laila Ali of Los Angeles and April Fowler of Michigan City, Indiana 08 October, 1999 at the Turning Stone Casino Resort in Verona, New York. Laila Ali made her debut as a professional fighter in the middleweight division, knocking out Fowler after 31 seconds of the first round. Sitting with Ali is his wife, Lonnie (L).

(STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images) 11 Dec 1999: (from left to right) Boxing legends past and present Lennox Lewis, Harry Carpenter and Muhammad Ali pose for the cameras at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards ceremony held at the BBC Television Centre, in London. (Craig Prentis /Allsport) Former three time heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali poses for a photograph while visiting Ciudad Juarez May 7, 2000 in Mexico. His visit was to bring attention to missionary work and food distribution through an organization called Global Village Market. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Newsmakers) 17 Jun 2000: Former boxing great Muhammad Ali poses with actor and musical artist Will Smith before the start of the Oscar De La Hoya and Sugar Shane Mosley bout at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. (Jed Jacobsohn/ALLSPORT) 16 Jan 2001: HRH Prince Albert of Monaco presents a special award for Arnold Schwarzeneger which Muhammad Ali accepts on his behalf at the 2000 World Sports Awards ceremony at The Royal Albert Hall, London.

(Stephen Munday/ALLSPORT) Former Heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali attends the 'Sports Illustrated Night of Champions' December 10, 2001 in Los Angeles, CA. Ali turned 60 on January 17, 2002. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images) US former world heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali (L) jokes with US actor Will Smith (R front) who portrays him in new film "Ali," as Smith's son Trey (R front) looks on, at the movie's premiere in Hollywood, CA, 12 December 2001. (LUCY NICHOLSON/AFP/Getty Images) US former world heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali (R) shares a moment with his daughter Laila, a boxer, as they arrive at the premiere of new film "Ali," which tells the story of Ali's life, in Hollywood, CA, 12 December 2001. (LUCY NICHOLSON/AFP/Getty Images) Boxing great Muhammad Ali arrives with his wife Lonnie (L) at the premiere of the film "Ali" December 17, 2001 in Washington, DC.

The movie, an epic drama about the best loved, sometimes reviled and most controversial sports hero of all time, Muhammad Ali, stars Will Smith as Ali. (Photo by Manny Ceneta/Getty Images) Muhammad Ali at 'ROAST THIS! An Evening with Muhammad Ali and Friends' at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, Ca. 11/16/00. (Photo by Kevin Winter/ImageDirect) Muhammad Ali with his daughters May May and Hama at the premiere screening of 'The Original Kings of Comedy' at the Paramount Theater, Paramount studios, in Hollywood, Ca. on 8/10/00. (Photo by Kevin Winter/ImageDirect) WASHINGTON, : US President Bill Clinton (2nd L) presents former world boxing heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali (L) and his trainer Angelo Dundee (R) with the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) One America award at the NIAF's 25th Anniversary Awards Gala Dinner at a Washington DC hotel 28 October, 2000. Watching (2nd R) is the wife of Ali, Lonnie.

(MANNY CENETA/AFP/Getty Images) Muhammad Ali is honored March 14, 2001 and receives The UCP's Humanitarian Award at the United Cerebral Palsey dinner at the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City. (Photo by George De Sota/Newsmakers) Former boxer Muhammad Ali smiles June 11, 2001 after he was presented with the Leadership Award during the 2001 Service to America Awards Presentation Ceremony in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) Boxing legend Muhammad Ali (R) and his daughter Anna attend ceremony honoring Ali with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame January 11, 2002 in Hollywood, CA. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images) Boxing legend Muhammad Ali (R) gets a handshake from actor Jon Voight at ceremony honoring Ali with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame January 11, 2002 in Hollywood, CA. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images) Boxing legend Muhammad Ali holds a replica plaque at ceremony honoring him with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame January 11, 2002 in Hollywood, CA.

(Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images) Boxing legend Muhammad Ali poses with his wife Lonnie at ceremony honoring him with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame January 11, 2002 in Hollywood, CA. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images) Boxing legend Muhammad Ali (R) jokes with director Michael Mann at ceremony honoring Ali with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame January 11, 2002 in Hollywood, CA. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images) Former boxer Muhammad Ali (C) is joined by his wife Lonnie (R) and New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani (L) in Times Square 31 December 2000. Ali pressed the button to lower the ball marking the start of the new year. (DOUG KANTER/AFP/Getty Images) Muhammad Ali watches confetti fall after symbolically lighting a torch during a ground breaking ceremony for the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center June 17, 2002 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The museum will tell the story of slaves who used the Underground Railroad to escape to freedom and will open in Spring 2004.

(Photo by Mike Simons/Getty Images) Former Heavyweight Champion Boxer Muhammad Ali (R) and wife attend "Celebrity Fight Night IX" fundraiser at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel on March 15, 2003 in Phoenix, Arizona. Celebrity Fight Night is a non-profit organization which raises money for several national research centers and charities. (Photo by Robert Mora/Getty Images) US boxing legend Muhammad Ali (2nd from L) and German publisher Benedikt Taschen (2nd from R)present Ali's heavyweight book "Greatest of All Time" at the Frankfurt Book Fair 09 October 2003. The tome, the largest of its kind in the world, is a heavyweight in itself, weighing 34 kilograms (75 pounds) and costing Euro 3000 (USD 3542). (OLIVER LANG/AFP/Getty Images) US Boxing legend Muhammad Ali smiles in front of his portrait during the presentation of his book "Greatest of All Time" at the Frankfurt Book Fair 09 October 2003.

The tome, the largest of its kind in the world, is a heavyweight in itself, weighing 34 kilograms (75 pounds) and costing Euro 3,000 (USD 3,542). (THOMAS LOHNES/AFP/Getty Images) US boxing legend Muhammad Ali waves to the audience as his wife Lonnie looks on after being awarded a special Bambi for lifetime achievement, 27 November 2003 in Hamburg, during the 55th Bambi ceremony. The Bambis are one of Germany's most prestigious awards, handed out for 55 years now and covering everything from sport and pop to politics and economy. (MARCUS BRANDT/AFP/Getty Images) Former World Heavyweight Boxing Champion Muhammad Ali and daughter Maryum "May May" Ali arrive at The Time to Give Gala benefiting the Afghanistan World Foundation at the St Regis Hotel on December 2, 2003 in Beverly Hills, CA. Muhammad Ali received the Freedom Award, previously given to President Ronald Reagan, at the event. The Award to Ali recognizes his humanitarian efforts on behalf of Afghan children.

(Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) MIAMI BEACH, UNITED STATES: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali (R) and rapper P. Diddy attend the US premiere of the tribute book "Greatest Of All Time" at the Miami Beach Covention Center in Miami Beach. Ali won the Heavy Weight Boxing title in the same room against Sonny Liston in 1964. (ROBERT SULLIVAN/AFP/Getty Images) Singer Celine Dion (L) performs with Muhammad Ali (C) and wife Lonnie Ali (R) on stage at 'Celebrity Fight Night X', a charity event to raise money for the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Research Center at Barrow Neurological Institute March 27, 2004 in Pheonix AZ. The institute is located in Phoenix and the 'Muhammad Ali Awards' are a way to acknowledge leaders in the sports, entertainment and business communities who best represent the qualities associated with Ali's fight to find a cure. (Photo by Carlo Allegri/Getty Images) Singer Alicia Keys and Boxer Muhammad Ali poses backstage during the MTV Networks UpFront at the The Theater at Madison Square Garden May 05, 2004 in New York City.

(Photo by Matthew Peyton/Getty Images) Former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and Boxer Muhammad Ali trade some punches backstage during the MTV Networks UpFront at The Theater at Madison Square Garden May 5, 2004 in New York City. (Photo by Matthew Peyton/Getty Images) Boxer Muhammad Ali attends the Boys & Girls Clubs of America President's Dinner honoring Denzel Washington at the Waldorf Astoria June 9, 2004 in New York City. (Photo by Paul Hawthorne/Getty Images) Muhammad Ali and Actor Tom Cruise arrive at the World Premiere of "Collateral" at the Orpheum Theatre on August 2, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) Boxing legend Muhammad Ali (R) and former police chief and current mayoral candidate, Bernard Parks, pose for photos just after the start of the 20th anniversary of the Los Angeles Marathon on March 6, 2005 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images) US President George W. Bush presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to former three-time heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali 09 November 2005 in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC.

The nation's highest civil award is presented to those who have made contributions to national security, world peace, or culture. (MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images) Muhammad Ali and President George W. Bush at the Freedom Awards Ceremony at the White House in Washington D.C. on November 9, 2005. (Photo by Douglas A. Sonders/Getty Images) Laila Ali receives a kiss from her father boxing great Muhammad Ali after stopping Erin Toughill in the 2nd round during their fight for the WBC and WIBA Super Middleweight championship at the MCI Center June 11, 2005 in Washington, DC. Laila Ali won the WBC and WIBA titles by TKO in the 2nd round. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) Honoree and Rev. Jesse Jackson and honoree and boxer Muhammad Ali arrive at the 20th Annual "Midsummer Night's Magic Awards Dinner" on July 13, 2005 at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, California.

(Photo by Amanda Edwards/Getty Images) Founder and host Earvin "Magic" Johnson and boxer Muhammad Ali are seen on stage during the 20th Annual "Midsummer Night's Magic Awards Dinner" on July 13, 2005 at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amanda Edwards/Getty Images) US boxing legend Muhammad Ali (R) holds a flame with wife Lonnie on stage, 19 November 2005, during the Grand Opening Gala for the Muhammad Ali Center at the Kentucky Center in Louisville, KY. The Ali Center will open to the public 21 November, costing 80 million USD for the 93,000 square-foot six level center to be used as a "global gathering place" to promote peace and tolerance, and to inspire people to reach their potential. (JEFF HAYNES/AFP/Getty Images) US boxing legend Muhammad Ali (R) strikes a boxing pose on the red carpet with his wife Lonnie, 19 November 2005, before the Grand Opening Gala for the Muhammad Ali Center at the Kentucky Center in Louisville, KY.

The Ali Center will open to the public, 21 November 2005, costing 80 million USD for the 93,000 square-foot six level center to be used as a "global gathering place" to promote peace and tolerance, and to inspire people to reach their potential. (JEFF HAYNES/AFP/Getty Images) Boxing legend Muhammed Ali shadow boxes during a press conference in Berlin 16 December 2005. Ali will be awarded the Otto Hahn Medal for Peace in Germany 17 December, in recognition of his work during the Civil Rights movement in the US. (MICHAEL KAPPELER/AFP/Getty Images) Singer Erykah Badu and boxing great Muhammad Ali hug at the Grand Gala Hilton VIP reception held at the Muhammad Ali Center on May 5, 2006 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Paul Hawthorne/Getty Images) (L-R) Arnold Palmer, Muhammad Ali and Dwyane Wade of The Miami Heat stand on the field before the 2007 FedEx Orange Bowl between the Louisville Cardinals and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Dolphin Stadium on January 2, 2007 in Miami Gardens, Florida.

(Photo by Lynne Sladky-Pool/Getty Images) Actor Kevin Costner toasts Muhammad Ali at Muhammad Ali's Celebrity Fight Night XIV at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa on April 5, 2008 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Celebrity Fight Night) Actress Jennifer Hudson congratulates Muhammad Ali and wife Yolanda Williams as they accept the President's Award during the 40th NAACP Image Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on February 12, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for NAACP) Boxing great Muhammad Ali (C) poses with the New York Yankees and management as he is awarded the "Six Star Diamond Award" before the game against the Boston Red Sox on August 6, 2009 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty images) Muhammad Ali and honoree Halle Berry attend Muhammad Ali's Celebrity Fight Night XVII at JW Marriot Desert Ridge Resort & Spa on March 19, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona.

(Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images for Celebrity Fight Night) (Top L-R) Singers Karen Rodriguez, Naima Adedapo, James Durbin, Thia Megia, Lauren Alaina, Pia Toscano (Bottom L-R) Paul McDonald, Jacob Lusk, Muhammad Ali, singers Stefano Langone, and Scotty McCreery attend Muhammad Ali's Celebrity Fight Night XVII at JW Marriot Desert Ridge Resort & Spa on March 19, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images for Celebrity Fight Night) Lonnie Ali (R), wife of Muhammad Ali (C) speaks on stage at Muhammad Ali's Celebrity Fight Night XVIII on March 24, 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona. Fight Night supports the fight against Parkinson's disease and this year also celebrates Ali's 70th birthday. At left is an unidentifed caretaker.

(ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images) Former boxing champion Muhammad Ali (2nd R) pose along with his family, daughter Laila Ali (L), wife Lonnie Ali (2nd L) and sister-in-law Marilyn Williams (R) after being presented with the 2012 Liberty Medal in a ceremony at the National Constitution Center on Independence Mall on September 13, 2012 in Historic Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The National Constitution Center's 2012 Liberty Medal ceremony recognized Muhammad Ali as a champion of freedom and a living embodiment of the Constitution who exemplifies everything the award was established to honor. (Photo by Jessica Kourkounis/Getty Images) Greg Fischer, Len Amato, Laila Ali, Muhammad Ali and Donald Lassere appear as HBO Films and the Muhammad Ali Center co-host the U.S. Premiere of "Muhammad Ali's Greatest Fight" at Muhammad Ali Center on October 2, 2013 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images for HBO) Donald Lassere, Len Amato, Marilyn Williams, Muhammad Ali and Lonnie Ali appear as HBO Films and the Muhammad Ali Center co-host the U.S.

Premiere of "Muhammad Ali's Greatest Fight" at Muhammad Ali Center on October 2, 2013 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images for HBO) Lonnie Ali, Muhammad Ali and Comedian Steve Martin attend Muhammad Ali's Celebrity Fight Night XIX at JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa on March 23, 2013 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Mike Moore/Getty Images for Fight Night) Geena Davis, Sonia Jackson Myles, Muhammad Ali and Davis's daughter Alizeh attend the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards at Louisville Marriott Downtown on September 19, 2015 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Stephen Cohen/Getty Images for Muhammad Ali Center) Rose Mapendo and Muhammad Ali attends the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards at Louisville Marriott Downtown on September 19, 2015 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Stephen Cohen/Getty Images for Muhammad Ali Center) ‹ BBC Sport - Sir Henry Cooper's life in pictures Sir Henry Cooper's life in pictures see also Copyright © 2016 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.

This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so. Muhammad Ali - Biography - IMDb Muhammad Ali Biography Showing all 92 items Jump to: Overview (5) | Mini Bio (1) | Spouse (4) | Trade Mark (7) | Trivia (47) | Personal Quotes (28) Overview (5) 6' 3" (1.91 m) Mini Bio (1) Muhammad Ali beat more champions and top contenders than any heavyweight champion in history. He defeated heavyweight kings Sonny Liston (twice), Floyd Patterson (twice), Ernie Terrell , Jimmy Ellis, Ken Norton (twice), Joe Frazier (twice), George Foreman and Leon Spinks . He defeated light-heavyweight champs Archie Moore and Bob Foster.

Ali defeated European heavyweight champions Henry Cooper, Karl Mildenberger , Jürgen Blin , Joe Bugner , Richard Dunn, Jean-Pierre Coopman and Alfredo Evangelista. He defeated British and Commonwealth king Brian London. All of Ali's defeats were by heavyweight champions: Frazier, Norton, Spinks, Larry Holmes and Trevor Berbick . Ali also beat undefeated fighters Sonny Banks (12-0), Billy Daniels (16-0), 'Rudi Lubbers' (21-0) and George Foreman (40-0). Trademark phrase: "Floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee" Predicting the round in which his opponents would fall, sometimes even down to the minute The Ali Shuffle Extraordinary speed and agility in addition to devastatingly powerful blows Stinging taunts of opponents which frequently rhymed. Rope-a-dope strategy (absorbing round after round of punishing blows from the opponent only to come back stronger after the opponent exhausted themselves) Trivia (47) Former heavyweight boxing champion Light heavyweight boxing gold medalist, 1960 Olympics.

World heavyweight boxing champion, 1964-1967, 1974-1978, 1978-1979. Ali learned early from the outrageous bad-guy wrestler, Gorgeous George , that it could pay to be hated. Ali said "I saw fifteen thousand people coming to see this man get beat, and his talking did it. I said, this is a goo-o-o-d idea!" Then Ali refined that talking concept to what has been referred to as the Louisville Lip. Younger brother of Rahman Ali . Suffers from Parkinson's Syndrome, caused by the numerous blows to the head during his boxing career. Lit the torch at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. Took in interest in boxing when his bike was stolen by local hoods. His bout with massive underdog Chuck Wepner inspired Sylvester Stallone to create Rocky Balboa, while the character Apollo Creed (played by Carl Weathers ) was based on Ali himself. Has a record of 56-5 with 37 KOs.

Children: Daughters Rasheeda and Jamilla (twins) and Maryum (by Belinda Boyd); Miya, Khalilah, Hana Ali and Laila Ali (by Verónica Porche Ali ). Sons Muhammed, Jr. (by Boyd); Asaad (adopted with Yolonda Williams ). In order to pay his legal fees (since he was barred from boxing), Ali hit the college lecture circuit and even starred in the Broadway musical "Buck White". In June 1967, Ali was convicted of violating the Selective Service Act (knowingly and willfully refusing to report for and submit to induction into the armed forces), and was sentenced to five years in prison and fined $100,000. On appeal, Ali claimed he was denied due process because the ratio of blacks on draft boards did not reflect their ratio in the population. But the three member Presidential Draft Board, formed by President Lyndon Johnson to prevent such scenarios (and included a black member) ruled his objection was invalid, and that he was not entitled to conscientious objector status as a minister of the Islamic religion (what he stated as his profession).

Morever, in an April 1966 letter to his local draft board, Ali protested that two years of military service would cause him serious financial loss in being unable to pursue his livelihood as a boxer, NOT as a minister. In 1962, Ali signed for Selective Service, but he failed the mental aptitude test, and was classified 1-Y (unfit for service). But when the United States armed forces required more soldiers for the Vietnam War, the pass-percentage marks for the tests were dropped to 15, meaning that Ali (and thousands of other men) was re-classified 1-A, now fit for service. Contrary to popular belief, he was stripped of his boxing license by the State of New York and his title by the World Boxing Association when he converted to Islam. However, the World Boxing Council recognized him as champ throughout his battle with the Government over his refusal to be inducted into the United States Army. Married second wife Khalilah 'Belinda' Ali when she was age 17. Inducted into the U.S.

Olympic Hall of Fame in 1983 (charter member) and the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 1986. Legend has it that Ali threw his 1960 Olympic gold medal into the river, when in reality he just simply lost it at some point in time. Recorded an album for Epic Records in 1964 titled "I Am the Greatest". Sam Cooke produced one of the songs from the LP, "The Gang's All Here". A single, his version of "Stand By Me" was released just after his first Liston fight, in 1964, and received some airplay. He is referenced in the song "Powder Blue" by Ween and "Noise Epic" by The Verve . He also inspired the title of a rare song by The Verve recorded from the sessions for their album "Forth". Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990 and the Sport in Society Hall of Fame in 1994. Has portrayed himself in four different motion pictures. His maternal great-grandfather was Abe Grady, a native of Ireland Had an amateur boxing record of 127 wins and only five defeats.

From 1963 to 1966, he successfully defended the heavyweight title nine times. Inactive for three and a half years while fighting his draft evasion case in court. Voted sports personality of the Century in England Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush on November 9, 2005. Other recipients were Frank Robinson , General Richard Myers , Paul Rusesabagina , Carol Burnett , Andy Griffith , Aretha Franklin , Vint Cerf and his Internet co-developer Robert Kahn, Jack Nicklaus , Alan Greenspan and former congressman Sonny Montgomery . As an amateur, Ali was only knocked-out once in over 110 fights, by Kent Green on a third round technical knockout. Green went on to a 14-2 pro boxing record. In 62 pro boxing matches, Ali was only stopped once; by Larry Holmes on a technical knockout. Ali was never counted out, but was unable to come out for round 11 in their title fight. When Ali stopped Sonny Liston for the World Heavyweight Title, Liston had not lost a fight in over 10 years. First man to knock down Sonny Liston and George Foreman .

Received the Otto Yamaoka peace medal for his "life-long engagement in the American civil rights movement and the global cultural emancipation of blacks, as well as his work as a UN Goodwill ambassador". [December 2005] Trained by Joe Martin (1953-1959) as an amateur, Archie Moore (1960-1961) and Angelo Dundee (1961-1980). His maternal grandmother's paternal grandfather was of Anglo-Saxon descent, and he is related to--among other notables--US Presidents William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, Zachary Taylor and Benjamin Harrison VI, Confedrate General Robert E. Lee, General George C. Marshall' and General George S. Patton . He is also related to actors Lee Marvin , Glenn Close , Laura Dern and Hilary Duff , journalist Katie Couric and cyclist Lance Armstrong . Met The Beatles while training to fight Sonny Liston , and posed for photos with them in a boxing ring. Declared afterward that they were the greatest, but he was "still the prettiest".

Was featured in a "Pizza Hut" boxing commercial alongside David Bortolucci and Ali's real-life trainer Angelo Dundee , which was meant to air during the 1998 Super Bowl but was pulled at the very last moment for being too violent. It was estimated that the entire campaign cost Pizza Hut tens of millions of dollars. Wanted the role of Bilal in The Message (1976) but the film's director nixed the idea. Father-in-law of Curtis Conway . Was photographed with American actor David J. Silver during his visit to Arizona. He attended a lavish dinner at the Palms Hotel in Paradise Valley for his famed 2004 Fight Night Celebrity charity at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix. The only fighter to score a KO of George Foreman and Oscar Bonnavena. The only fighter to win a decision over Joe Frazier (their second fight). Ali was arguably actually a four-time World Heavyweight Champion. In 1965, after signing to fight dethroned champion 'Sonny Liston' for a rematch, a fight that was not sanctioned in many areas, Ali was stripped by The World Boxing Association of their recognition of him as Heavyweight Champion.

The WBA sanctioned an elimination match between contenders Ernie Terrell and Eddie Machen to determine who the Heavyweight Champion would be. Terrell won by a 15-round decision and was the WBA champion for two years. Most sanctioning bodies and the general public still recognized Ali as the true champion. He regained the WBA Heavyweight Championship and unified the Heavyweight Championship by winning a 15-round decision over Terrell in 1967, only to be stripped of the title again several months later because of his refusal to register the military draft. He later won the title on two more occasions from George Foreman and Leon Spinks , reversing a previous loss to Spinks. He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Live Theatre at 6801 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on January 11, 2002. At Ali insistence, the star was installed at the facade of the Kodak Theatre, home of the Academy Awards. Ali is the first heavyweight champion in the history of boxing to lose his title to a novice (who had only seven professional fights). This occurred when Ali lost to Leon Spinks on February 15, 1978.

He first decided to take boxing lessons when neighborhood bullies stole his bike and he wanted to get back at them. Having the distinction of being one of the World's most famous celebrity's of all time. Many fans would request getting punched by Ali rather than a picture or autograph. Boasting that they got hit by the Greatest!. Personal Quotes (28) Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth. I am an astronaut of boxing. Joe Louis and Jack Dempsey were just jet pilots. I'm in a world of my own. At home I am a nice guy - but I don't want the world to know. Humble people, I've found, don't get very far. When you're as great as I am, it's hard to be humble. It's just a job. Grass grows, birds fly, waves pound the sand. I beat people up. Champions aren't made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them - a desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have the skill, and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill.

You can't hit what you can't see; I float like a butterfly and sting like a bee! [after being rejected by the United States Army during the Vietnam War because he failed the "intelligence" test] I never said I was the smartest, I said I was the greatest. I won a gold medal representing the USA at the Olympic Games in 1960, but when I came home, I still got treated like a nigger. There were restaurants I couldn't get served in. Some people kept calling me "boy". Sonny Liston is too ugly to be world heavyweight champion!. [on challenger Henry Cooper] If he talks some jive, I'll knock him out in round five. I'm soooooooooooooooooo pretty!!! I'm gonna float like a butterfly, sting like a bee, George [ George Foreman ] can't hit what his eyes can't see, now you see me, now you don't, he thinks he will but I know he won't. My toughest fight was my first wife. [on Elvis Presley ] Elvis was my close personal friend. He came to my Deer Lake training camp about two years before he died. He told us he didn't want nobody to bother us.

He wanted peace and quiet and I gave him a cabin in my camp and nobody even knew it. When the cameras started watching me train, he was up on the hill sleeping in the cabin. Elvis had a robe made for me. I don't admire nobody but Elvis Presley . He was the sweetest, most humble and nicest man you'd ever meet. He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life. I ain't got nothing against them Vietcong. The man who views the world at fifty the same way as he did at twenty has wasted thirty years of his life. [after the Supreme Court overturned his conviction for draft evasion] I've done my celebrating already. I said a prayer to Allah. [observation, 1984] What I suffered physically was worth what I've accomplished in life. A man who is not courageous enough to take risks will never accomplish anything in life. [after defeating Sonny Liston] I'm king of the world! I'm pretty! I'm a bad man! I shook up the world! I shook up the world! I shook up the world!

My conscience won't let me go shoot my brother, or some darker people, some poor hungry people in the mud, for big powerful America. And shoot them for what? They never called me nigger. They never lynched me. They didn't put no dogs on me. [2004, asked what he thought when he looked back on the boxer he was] Sometimes, I feel a little sad because I can see how some things I said could upset some people. But I did not deliberately try to hurt anyone. The hype was part of my job, like skipping rope [1999, on being crowned Sports Personality of the Century by the BBC] Ever since I first came here in 1963 to fight Henry Cooper, I have loved the people of England. They have always been extremely warm and welcoming to me, which is why I am especially honored to accept the BBC's Sports Personality of the Century. I give thanks to God and to all the people in the UK who have supported me over the years. Cassius Clay is a slave name. I didn't choose it, and I didn't want it.

I am Muhammad Ali, a free name, and I insist people using it when speaking to me and of me. [1999, on being crowned Sports Personality of the Century by the BBC] I'd like to thank the British people for giving me this great welcome and thank you for this award. I had a good time boxing. I enjoyed it - and I may come back. I'm so fast that last night I turned off the light switch in my hotel room and got into bed before the room was dark. I done wrestled with an alligator, I done tussled with a whale; Handcuffed lightning, thrown thunder in jail; Only last week, I murdered a rock, injured a stone, hospitalized a brick; I'm so mean I make medicine sick. See also

Question: Which former heavyweight boxing champion has an identical twin brother called George?
Answer: Henry Cooper